Marni Nixon

Marni Nixon, known for her exquisite soprano voice, carved out a unique niche in the annals of film history, even if her face remains largely unrecognized by the public. While many may associate the likes of Deborah Kerr, Natalie Wood, and Audrey Hepburn with captivating musical performances, the truth is that their singing voices were often provided by Nixon herself. She lent her remarkable vocal talents to iconic roles, including Kerr's Anna in The King and I (1956), Wood's Maria in West Side Story (1961), and Hepburn's Eliza in My Fair Lady (1964), all without receiving proper credit.

Born Marni McEathron in Altadena, California, she began her artistic journey as a child actress and later became a soloist with the Roger Wagner Chorale. A classically trained opera singer, Nixon showcased her versatility by working with prominent composers such as Arnold Schönberg and Igor Stravinsky. Her Broadway debut came in 1954, but it was her fateful replacement of a deceased singer in The King and I that launched her career in film.

Nixon made a brief on-screen appearance in The Sound of Music (1965) as a singing nun, but she continued to perform in concerts and symphonies, dubbing herself "The Voice of Hollywood." She returned to the stage in notable roles throughout her life, including Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret and appearances in Follies and 70 Girls 70. Her final vocal contribution was as the grandmother in Disney's Mulan (1998). Married three times, including to Oscar-winning composer Ernest Gold, Nixon passed away on July 24, 2016, in New York City at the age of 86.